high and low—
1. in every conceivable place; everywhere:
- We searched high and low for the best career coach to serve our clients.
2. said of people of high and low station:
- In the public forum he was outspoken and called both high and low people to task.
3. the maximum and the minimum temperature, prices, etc. reached in a particular period:
- These values represent yesterday’s high and low over the last 12 hours.
up and down—
1. to and fro; back and forth:
- Unable to bear another night alone, they take to walking up and down Broadway.
2. in diverse places or directions:
- “So whereabouts is the local surf break?” interrupted Jerry, looking up and down the coast.
3. is used of a changeable or unstable disposition:
- Mrs. Moore is up and down; very liable … to fits of bad jealousy.
4. (coll.) give smb. a quick examining look:
- He gave me the up and down, and I saw that he remembered me.
5. (coll.) a violent quarrel or fight:
- I had a bit of an up and down with one of your ilk only about an hour ago.
See also: uppers and downers / ups and downs.